While the McMurry/Hardin-Simmons crosstown game on the football field hasn't been great in recent years, the two schools rivalry in volleyball could become of the best in the next few years.

On Tuesday, both teams had another huge matchup at the Mabee Sports Complex as McMurry had been riding a 13-game win streak just a week ago.

However, the War Hawks stumbled in their last few matches with back-to-back losses to Texas-Tyler on Saturday and Mary Hardin-Baylor on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, HSU was on a one-match skid after winning two in a row over LeTourneau and East Texas Baptist before also losing to Texas-Tyler last week.

When I first walked into the gym about 30 minutes before start time there weren't many fans in the stands, and I began to wonder if people had forgotten about the match or if D3 volleyball isn't a huge deal to anyone in Abilene.

Boy was I wrong.

Over the next 45 minutes families, fans, friends, classmates, and others filed into the gym by the time the first set was halfway over.

The nearly few hundred fans on hand were treated to a match not only for conference standings but also for bragging rights — even if it only lasts a few weeks.

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Quinton Lilley(Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)

How it went down

The first set was one of the most entertaining women's volleyball games I've seen, as both teams went back and forth each taking small leads before McM ultimately took the first set 26-24.

In the second set, the Mabee Sports Complex (HSU Campus) began to sound like Kimbrell Arena (McM Campus) as the War Hawks went on a tear grabbing a 10 point lead and ultimately won the second set 25-13.

For anyone who's seen the McMurry volleyball team this year, they would tell you that once the War Hawks have a team down they usually don't let up. This season the War Hawks have only dropped 11 sets in their 16 matches played including eight 3-0 sweeps.

So naturally, I assumed McMurry would put away HSU in the third set with relative ease.

HSU had other plans.

In the third set, HSU took an 8-3 lead — their biggest of the game. But McM responded tying the game at 13. Towards the end of the set, McMurry was plagued by hitting errors as HSU took advantage and won 25-23.

On the third set's last point the HSU fans rose to their feet as the gym erupted into a roar.

In the fourth set, the McMurry fans essentially had themselves a party in the visitor's bleachers as the War Hawks dominated grabbing a 14-8 lead and held the Cowgirls at bay to win 25-13 ending the match with McMurry winning 3-1.

McMurry and Hardin-Simmons had their first meeting of the year on Thursday night. Both teams are among the best in the American Southwest Conference.(Photo: Quinton Lilley)

Through my eyes

While the match was dominated by both teams at different points, one of the most entertaining aspects of the match was how emotional the players and fans were from both schools.

After many points, you could see fans jumping and cheering for their squad — a far cry from what I assumed may happen when I first walked in the building.

Another thing I noticed was that players from both teams prayed with one another, and posed for photos with family and friends when the match was over.

While both teams wanted to win, the players and coaches understand that their connection to the city of Abilene is much more important than winning a volleyball match.

Many of these girls have known each other since their high school days and have been able to draw a line between being competitive on the court but also being friendly and respectful off of it.

Match standouts

For McM, outside hitter Jasmine Jones had a stellar match finishing with 14 kills and seven digs. Outside hitter Jordyn Burnell also had a good match finishing with 10 kills and 11 digs. Setter's Lauryn Davis and Emarie James also played well for the War Hawks combining for 33 assists.

For HSU, outside hitter Kaitlynn Lewis led the way with 12 kills, while outside hitter Morgan Prince had a solid match finishing with six kills. Setter Ashley Pierce also had a good game with 24 assists.

With the win, McM (14-2)(5-1) remains in second place in the ASC West Division while HSU (10-6)(3-4) drops to fourth.

HSU returns to action Saturday as they host Austin College at 11 a.m. McM has the weekend off before playing Arlington Baptist at home on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

HSU will have a chance to avenge their home loss on Oct. 18 when they travel to the southside to play McMurry at Kimbrell Arena.